Oldham proudly flies the Rainbow Flag

Oldham Council is set to proudly fly the Rainbow Flag to demonstrate its commitment to tackling homophobia, biphobia and transphobia across the Borough.

For the seventh year, the flag will again be raised at the Civic Centre to mark the annual International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) on Friday, May 17. IDAHO marks the date when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from its list of mental illness in 1990.

Oldham Council is committed to working with its partners to do all that it can to tackle hate crime and discrimination, and ensure that homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are not tolerated. All Youth Centres across Oldham will be flying the rainbow flag to mark the youth service’s commitment to supporting young people and tackling homophobia and transphobia. Greater Manchester Police’s Oldham division headquarters will also be raising the Rainbow Flag.

The Council is urging people and local places to fly Rainbow Flags on May 17 as a visible demonstration of support. Oldham’s LGBT community are having an afternoon tea event at the George Tavern from 1pm to 5pm to mark IDAHO and will be holding a vigil to remember the victims of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate crime in the evening. To find out more about these events contact oldhamlgbtevents@hotmail.co.uk